The Benefits of APR

By Amanda Piasecki

A bigger salary, better title, and justification for higher billing rates are just a few of the benefits PRSA-NCC members are citing as a result of receiving their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). PRSA-NCC wants to help members without the designation receive those benefits by offering a “Jump Start Your Career: Earn Your APR” on March 15.

“[Your APR] is third-party recognition that you have the strategic mindset to be in this profession,” said Margery Zylich, Assistant Vice President for Operational Communications and Special Projects at Medstar Health. 

Encouraged by colleagues with the title, Zylich received her APR in 1997.  While she acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges is finding time to prepare for the APR, today, she encourages others to get their accreditation. 

“Do it for yourself, and do it for your profession,” said Zylich, who still refers to the Strategist book that she used to prepare for her accreditation. “Too many people think of PR after the fact, and you learn how to include public relations strategy in everything you do.” 

The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which oversees the Accreditation program, agrees that one of the goals of the program is to “unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment” in public relations. 

The “Jump Start Your Career: Earn Your APR” was listed as one of the top professional development classes by PRSA-NCC members in 2006.  Those interested in the program can learn more and register at www.prsa-ncc.org. 

Zylich noted that the APR preparation course that she took not only expanded her knowledge of the public relations process, but helped with mentoring others and networking.  “I have been able to focus my team on the value of public relations based on the learning model taught ... [The APR class] is a great opportunity to meet other professionals.”